Team USA managed to assemble one of the greatest squads to compete at the Olympics in Paris. The protagonists, Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant didn’t fail to entertain when the going got tough. Throughout the Olympics and the exhibition games, King James pulled off some of the most memorable comebacks. His dominance in the first few games really set the tone for Team USA’s quest for Gold. However, it was none other than Steph who changed the trajectory in the elimination round.

Curry was rather quiet during the whole preliminary round, including the quarter-finals. But as Team USA prepared for the semis against Serbia, Steph flipped the switch. Up until this game, Curry scored a total of 29 points and made 5 threes in total. Regardless, the Splash Brother finished the semi-final game with 36 points, 9 three-pointers, and 8 rebounds! Not only that, but Curry’s eruption continued in the Finals, putting up 24 points (all three-pointers) and 5 assists.

Now, as dominating of a stretch as this was, Curry did not receive the MVP honors. James went on to add another prestigious feat award under his name, but then again, fans and critics didn’t agree. Skip Bayless recently made the case for Steph’s MVP candidature. “Steph is the MVP because there’s no way we would have beaten Serbia without Steph’s 3s. There is absolutely no way we would have beaten France in Paris without Steph’s 3s… That’s how I define MVP, couldn’t have won without him.”, said Skip on his show.

Looking at the stat sheet, Steph Curry quite literally covered up for his inconsistency in the last few games, averaging 14.8 points, alongside just over 3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. In comparison, LeBron’s numbers are higher with 14.2 points, a smidgen under 8 boards, and 8.5 assists.

Overall, James had a better performance as compared to the Splash Brother. Yes, it was all Curry in the semi-finals and the finals. But when it comes to overall production in points as well as keeping up with the defensive end of the floor, James ticks all the boxes.

However, we haven’t seen Steph Curry wildly as consistent in the postseason as he was in Paris. In fact, Skip Bayless continued his reasoning, saying, “I still can’t forgive Steph for what happened in games 5, 6, and 7 of the 2016 Finals.” That’s exactly why he hesitates to keep the Bay Area talisman in his top 10 despite praising him more than King James for his performance in the Olympics.

Is Steph Curry one of the top 10 players of all time?

Steph’s candidature in the top 10 list sparked right after his 4th championship. The Warriors were finally out of the narrative that KD was the sole reason for their back-to-back titles. Whereas for Steph, Klay, and Green, the trio were back once again, proving that the dynasty did not end after the Slim Reaper’s departure. Curry’s Game 4 performance in the 2022 NBA Finals was the turning point of the series.

Being the Finals MVP, the sharpshooter’s dominance led the Dubs once again to a title. Or did it? Well, Skip Bayless, not fond of the Chef’s playoff resume, kept him out of the top ten debate!

“Game 5 and 7 (2016) were in his house, Oracle, Oakland. They were up 3 games to one and they lost the last three games because of Steph Curry going completely south… Top 10? I think not… If you want me to vault him into my top 10, I look at this playoff resume, and I say, no way Jose is in San Jose.”, Bayless concluded.

Well, Steph Curry’s playoff resume isn’t that bad. Ever since his first Championship run, Steph has averaged 27.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in the postseason. Quite frankly, these numbers were enough to win 4 championships in 7 years. It definitely is a debate when it comes to handing the sharpshooter a spot in the top ten list. But what he’s accomplished in the past decade speaks volumes.

As the Warrior nears his retirement, the Chef is optimistic about another title run. If he manages to win his 5th ring, Steph Curry might just enter Skip’s top ten. What are your thoughts? Do you think he needs to prove more? Let us know in the comments.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.